Plus-Size Male Models and Their Role in the Fashion Industry

The inclusion of plus-sized models in the fashion industry is a transformation that has been so refreshing and healthy for the world. Unfortunately, the fashion and beauty industry used to only hire models with a certain size or look because the “ideal” body and image were very engrained in everyone’s minds. But, as time went on the world started to see more mid and plus-sized models in print campaigns, and then finally on the runway. 

Photo: Campbell Addy via Vogue

The beauty standard that used to exist was very harmful to not only young children but also young adults and adults themselves. Self-esteem and self-image have been a struggle for many young women for many years and there have been many harmful ad campaigns put out publicly that can be detrimental to someone’s mental health. There are many struggles as a model and one of the biggest is the fact that their job is their appearance, and that can be a lot of pressure to take on. 

However, something that is not addressed as much is the beauty standard that has been set for men. Unfortunately, while women’s inclusion has improved greatly and is a very public movement, men’s mental health around body image in the fashion world has not made as many improvements. There have definitely been changes within men’s beauty standards, but women’s runway models are talked about much more than men. 

Photo: Isidore Montag via Vogue

One model in particular, James Corbin, has been breaking through the traditions of men’s runway shows and he is making a name for himself with his walk and opinions. Corbin was asked to do a photoshoot about happiness, which led him to apply to agencies and stand up for himself and other plus-size men. From the beginning, he was very transparent that he wanted to change men’s fashion, but unfortunately, he was told that many designers will not make clothes that are big enough to fit him. Thankfully, this did not stop him from attending casting and putting himself out there. 

Photo: Rafael Pavarotti via The Perfect Magazine

When Corbin walked in casting for S.S. Daley, he was immediately taken aside to have his measurements taken and even though the show was in two days, the designer and brand owner worked to make sure that he was walking in the show with a look that fit him. There are so many designers that will not put in the effort to accommodate plus-sized models, but this experience for Corbin proved that he has just not been working with the right designers because it can and will be done.